BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Senior forward Ashley Hersey (Newburyport, MA) tallied a goal and an assist to lead the Bridgewater State College women's soccer team to a 3-0 shutout vicory over Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) rival Framingham State this afternoon in Bridgewater.
Bridgewater State improves to 7-6-2 on the season and 2-3-1 in the MASCAC. Framingham falls to 4-10-1 overall and 1-4-1 in conference play. With the win over the Rams, the Bears remain in contention for the final spot in the MASCAC Tournament. BSC needs a win over Mass. Maritime next weekend coupled with a Salem State loss or a tie to advance to the tournament. Framingham was officially eliminated with today's loss.
Hersey gave the Bears' an early 1-0 lead as she knocked in a rebound of a Kristina Ortiz (Dedham, MA) shot in the sixth minute of play. Sophomore midfielder Amber LaPorte (New Hartford, CT) added an unassisted tally on a breakaway in the 31st minute as BSC took a 2-0 lead into the intermission. The goal was the first of the season for LaPorte.
Freshman defender Kathleen Smith (Rehoboth, MA) put the finishing touches on the big conference win as she notched her first collegiate goal off an assist from Hersey at the 62-minute mark.
Junior goaltender Kayla Grover (Haverhill, MA) recorded her third shutout of the season and fourth of her career as she turned aside two shots. Bridgewater outshot the Rams by a margin of 20-3 and held an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Framingham State freshman Kia Minor (Oak Bluffs, MA) made seven saves between the pipes for the Rams.
Prior to next Saturday's season final with Mass. Maritime, the Bears will entertain non-conference foe Keene State College on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 PM. Framingham travels to UMass Boston on Tuesday also at 3:30.